Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of metformin on proliferation and cell cycle of HEC-1A endometrial cancer cells in the presence of LKB1 overexpression. Methods HEC-1A cells overexpressing LKB1 and control HEC-1A cells were treated with different concentrations of metformin. The two groups were compared in terms of proliferation rate，cell migration ability and cell cycle using a colony formation assay，transwell experiments and flow cytometry. Expression of LKB1 and mTOR mRNA was measured using RT-PCR，and levels of the corresponding proteins were measured using Western blotting. Results Treating LKB1-overexpressing HEC-1A cells with metformin inhibited colony formation，cell motility，and expression of mTOR mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner relative to control HEC-1A cells（P<0.05）. It also reduced the proportion of LKB1-overexpressing HEC-1A cells in S phase relative to controls（P<0.05）. Conversely，treating LKB1-overexpressing HEC-1A cells with metformin increased the proportion of cells in G₀ /G₁ phase and upregulated expression of LKB1 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner（P<0.05）. Conclusion Metformin inhibits proliferation and cell migration of HEC-1A endometrial cancer cells overexpressing LKB1，potentially by acting on the LKB1/mTOR signaling pathway.

Key words: Endometria, neoplasm, Liver kinase B1, HEC-1A cell, Metformin, Insulin resistance